March 2018 focus by Christian Johnson

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

March Family Focus Mission: Service Member & Family Support enhances and empowers the lives of our customers with consistently exceptional service & support.

Service Member & Family Support Phone: 1-800-658-3930 THE FOCUS IS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS & FAMILIES, VETERANS, RETIREES & SURVIVORS

IN THIS ISSUE

SDNG State Family & Youth Symposium Join us at the SDNG State Family & Youth Symposium! Who: All SDNG Service Members, Volunteers and Families that support the SDNG. There are even Opportunities for Children and Youth: Ages 0-5 – On site childcareSaturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday 7:30 am-12 pm; Ages 6-9, ages 10-12, and ages 13-17 – All activities on-site. When: 1000 on the 24th of March to 1200 on the 25th of March What: Professional Training, Networking, and Volunteer Awards Banquet. We have programing planned for ages 6 and older attending and we have childcare planned for those kiddos who are 5 and younger.

Where: The Downtown Holiday Inn Civic Centre. We have a premier location in the heart of Sioux Falls. There is a block of rooms available and please indicate you are with the SD National Guard. Why: This training event offers a variety of amazing trainers that will allow all participants to take away skills and methods that can be immediately implemented in all facets of their lives. Our goal is to provide participants a variety of tools to put in their preverbal toolkit to make them more efficient in their family life, their volunteer, professional and even their military roles.

Pages 4 & 5

Issue Date

Page 9

Job Fair and Employment Assistance Pages 11 & 12

See the next page for more details! Page 15

Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

March 16, 2018 Honoring the deployed member of the

216th Engineer Detachment Fire Fighters and their families. Please wear a red shirt to show your support!

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

As a member of the military, you may be eligible for a discount on Microsoft software you can use on a personal computer through the Home Use Program (HUP) 1. Go to http://hup.microsoft.com 2. Select the country to which you want your order to be shipped to and choose the language for viewing the order Web site. 3. Enter your military e-mail address and insert the following program code: ABAD560AD0 Note: This program code is assigned to the Army for Army's sole use in accessing this site. You may not share this number with anyone outside the Army. 4. Place your order online, and it will be shipped to the location you have chosen. Please note that a fulfillment fee will be charged to cover packaging, shipping, and handling costs. Click here for more information.

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

MFLC frequently asked questions Q. Who are Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC)? A. MFLC(s) possess a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or doctorate degree in a mental health field and are licensed or certified in a SD to practice independently. Q. Who is eligible for support? A. Members of the SDNG and their families. Eligible individuals may receive up to 12 non-medical and financial counseling sessions per person, per issue. Q. What types of issues can MFLC(s) address? A. Military and family life counselors assist service members and their families with circumstances occurring across the military lifecycle and are aimed at enhancing operational and family readiness. MFLCs provide support to individuals, couples, families, and groups, for a range of issues including but not limited to: deployment stress, reintegration, relocation adjustment, separation, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, parent/child communication, relationship/family issues, coping skills, homesickness, and grief and loss. Q. What issues are not appropriate for non-medical counseling? A. Non-medical counseling is not intended to address active suicidal or homicidal thought or intent or other threats of harm to self or others, Family Advocacy Program cases, sexual assault, child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, mental health conditions that have required recurring in-patient hospitalizations, someone prescribed psychoactive medication, someone currently receiving therapy by another practitioner, fitness for duty evaluations and court ordered counseling. Q. When and where can I meet a MFLC? A. MFLC(s) can meet at their work location identified in this flier or at a location you and the MFLC agree to. Their hours are flexible to meet during the work week, evenings and weekends. However, MFLC(s) are limited to a 50-mile travel radius. Q. How do I schedule an appointment with a MFLC? A. Contact the MFLC directly at the phone/email below: In Watertown, Deb Johnson - (605) 237-0765 or NGWatertownSDSurge@magmflc.org In Sioux Falls, Judy Zimbleman -(605) 940-1150 or judyz@sio.midco.net In Rapid City, Krista Preston - (605) 390-4273 or NGCampRapidSDSurge@magmflc.org

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

Job Fair Season is in the Air Spring is a time for school graduations, baseball opening day and JOB FAIRS. For all of you that are seeking employment, or a change in your career, you should ask yourself one question: “Am I prepared?” It can be a very intimidating question. After all, job seeking can be a challenge and stressful. In many cases you are putting yourself in front of total strangers asking them to take a chance on hiring you Let’s look at how to “work” that job fair to your advantage. Preparation is a key part in success. Research the employers that will be at the fair. Be able to discuss what that company does and how the positons you are looking for fit in with their plans for success. Identify employers that match your career goals and prepare targeted resumes for those companies. Prepare and practice a 30 second sound bite or “elevator speech” that introduces yourself in such a way that it is relevant to their company’s needs. Most likely they will want to learn more about you. Prioritize which employers you want to meet and have a plan to make sure you visit them. Prepare your wardrobe a week before the fair. That way you have time to get to the dry cleaners if needed. On the day of the job fair make sure the picture you present is the best it can be. Dress for success is not just a saying. You want to project a clean, professional appearance that a

prospective employer would think they could put you out in front of customers as a positive image for the company. Unless you are applying for a position with a sports team, leave the ball caps, logo shirts, etc. in the car or better yet, at home. After hours party clothes have their place but not at a job fair. No colognes or perfumes. Your prospective employer may be allergic or just really dislike the scent you’re using.

Plan for child care. Employers do not want to deal with children during a discussion with you or have them running from booth to booth scooping up the company advertising materials like Halloween candy. It’s not just what you say but how you present the whole picture. From the time you enter the parking lot, people are watching you…your interview has already started. Have small breath mints with you but NO GUM. You do not want anything in your mouth when talking with a prospective employer. Start with an employer that is not high on your list or possibly one that is not even on your list. This will get you in the

swing of things and help get the initial nervousness under control. Introduce yourself with confidence. Establish good eye contact and have a good firm (but not crushing) handshake. Make sure you remember their name and use Mr. or Ms. unless they tell you to use first names. Showing respect is a sign of being a professional. Get points of contact and business cards from everyone you talk with. Leave a resume and your business card. Thank them for their time and ask about being able to follow-up with them. Always remember, you are in the interview mode until you physically leave the job fair. You don’t want to be the one people talk about for inappropriate behavior or unprofessional attire. After the fair, follow-up with thank you notes to those employers who took time with you. The vast majority of job seekers do not and quickly melt into the background. Those who take the extra effort to do a professional closing to the fair do get remembered in a good way. If you are fortunate to have an on the spot hire, immediately follow-up with an e-mail rather than a hand written note. These are just a few tips for you. You can get more details by contacting the personnel listed below. Please let them know if you have any questions on getting ready for the next job fair. Good luck!

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

Upcoming Job Fairs & Resources 3/13/18 - Aberdeen Job Fair 3/14/18 - Brookings Job Fair 3/14/18 - Black Hills Regional Job Fair - Rapid City 3/30/18 - Watertown Job Fair 4/17/18 - Mitchell Job Fair 6/27/18 - Black Hills Veterans Job Fair - Rapid City

If you are needing assistance in getting your resume ready for the job fair or wondering how to work the job fair, please contact one of the following resources from our employment team: Rapid City: Employment Support Program Program Support Specialist Scott MacDonald Scott.macdonald.ctr@mail.mil 605-737-6011 Citizen Soldier for Life Career Readiness Counselor Kenneth Wheeler kwheeler@afsc.com 605-737-6656

Watertown: Citizen Soldier for Life Career Readiness Counselor Emy Hauck ehauck@afsc.com 605-882-9327 Sioux Falls: Citizen Soldier for Life Career Readiness Counselor Laura Allen Laura.allen@csfl.online 605-357-2974 Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

South Dakota National Guard Scholarships Suspense: 15 March Corning/Mallow Memorial Scholarship BACKGROUND This scholarship endowment is made possible by donations from the South Dakota National Guard Officers and Enlisted Associations and is established in memory of Major General Duane L. "Duke" Corning's love and dedication for these associations and for his fidelity, dedication and unselfish service to his state, nation, and fellowman. The purpose of the memorial endowment is to encourage active/retired members of the South Dakota National Guard (Army and Air) and their dependents to pursue degrees in higher education at an accredited institution of their choice. The CW2 Darren R Mallow Memorial Scholarship is awarded by Col (Ret) Bob and Shirley Mallow of Black Hawk, SD in remembrance of their son Darren who was an outstanding guard member whose life was cut tragically short by a fatal civilian helicopter accident in the summer of 1999. Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded by the Enlisted/Officer Associations for the Major General Duane L. "Duke" Corning Scholarship and one $100.00 scholarship offered by the Mallow family.

The USAA Scholarship BACKGROUND This scholarship endowment is made possible by the USAA insurance program. The purpose of the USAA scholarship is to encourage active enlisted members of the South Dakota National Guard, (Army and Air), and their dependents to pursue degrees in higher education at an accredited institution of their choice. This objective is to be accomplished through annual award of the USAA Scholarship. A scholarship will be awarded by the Enlisted Association at the State Conference and may be in the amount of $500 or $1000 to be determined by USAA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this award, an applicant must be: (Corning/Mallow): A current/retired member or a dependent of a current/retired member of the South Dakota National Guard Officer or Enlisted Associations. (USAA): A current member or a dependent of a member of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (BOTH): A graduating high school senior and/or an individual enrolled or having intent to enroll in a post-secondary institution (undergraduate study only) on a full-time basis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES To apply for the SDNG Scholarships, applicants must submit the following, in its entirety, by the posted deadline above. r, counselor, dean or professor addressing the applicant's academic achievements. ander (if member of National Guard) addressing the applicant's moral and personal traits, character and leadership abilities. (Cannot be a parent) py of the applicant's latest SAT/ACT test scores (if applicable). Completed packages must be received by posted deadline or they will be returned to the applicant. Do not have the official transcript or the letters of recommendation sent directly because your entire package must be sent under one cover.

The 2018 application materials must be submitted by March 15th 2018 to:

Nathan Hedin, 132 Nebraska St., Rapid City, S.D. 57701

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

2018

The SDNG Scholarship 2018 Application A NON-RENEWABLE MERIT SCHOLARSHIP NAME:__________________________________________________________________________________ (Last)

(First)

(Middle)

HOME ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________ (Street)

(City)

(State)

(Zip)

TELEPHONE: (____________) ___________________________________________ BIRTHDATE: _________________________________________________________ (Day, Month, Year) YOU MUST BE A CURRENT MEMBER OF OR BE A DEPENDENT OF A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD AND BE A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD ENLISTED ASSOCIATION FOR USAA AND A MEMBER OF ENLISTED OR OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR CORNING. PLEASE GIVE NAME, RANK, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND UNIT OF MEMBER. IF SAME AS ABOVE, STATE SO AND GIVE RANK AND UNIT. _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ SCHOOL OR COLLEGE YOU PLAN TO ATTEND: _________________________________________________________________________________________ MAJOR AREA OF STUDY: _________________________________________________________________________________________ LIST AWARDS, HONORS, AND OFFICES IN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR OTHER TRADE SCHOOLS: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ LIST EXTRA CURRICULAR & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & HONORS: __________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE COMPLETE A BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY (DO NOT EXCEED 300 WORDS) DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCES TO DATE AND INDICATING AT THE END YOUR HOPES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. DATE: ________________________ SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________ (If you need more room for any questions, continue on a separate sheet of paper) Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.

MARCH FAMILY FOCUS

Did you know? The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program serves Active and Reserve Component service members of ALL branches of the military AND Veterans who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. The programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal role is to provide direction to Reserve Component service members so that they can secure all benefits, entitlements, and services earned through their military service with the compassion of someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been there. You may not need assistance at this time, but you may have a friend or family member that could use some assistance.

Common services provided are: -

Requesting Military Service records Enrollment into the VA Healthcare Counseling on Education Benefits Supporting deploying and returning units Employment Tricare State specific benefits Navigating local, state and federal programs

I am a current service member in the SDARNG, an OEF-Afghanistan veteran, former full-time Soldier, education counselor and will put to use my skills and relationships to ensure your needs are met. Contact your TAA today at 605-737-6669 or christian.m.johnson.ctr@mail.mil

March Family Focus

Service Member and Family Support South Dakota National Guard 2823 W. Main St, Rapid City SD 57702

1-800-658-3930 We

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